SMALL
CULTURE V/S BIG CULTURE
Each
economy creates its own culture; be it feudal , semi- urban,urban,
metropolitan or cosmopolitan. The culture which consists of
Language, Phrases, Clothes,Mannerism, loveof Literature, Dance,
Drama,Food habits,Restaurants, Homes, Street corners,Temples, Schools,
Bus stops, Railway stations, Libraries, Shops and Malls,Cinema halls
etc..
However;
it is a 'given' that the Big Culture/ Rich Culture, culture of the
elite, the ruling class , the powerful class subdues the culture of
the poor people. It may adopt some elements of it, but what is
preserved is culture of the rich , the dominant,the Kings, the
rulers even though in terms of 'aesthetics' the culture of the poor
may be superior.
In
the case of Cinema the 'Single Theater' are being shut down and
'Multiplexes' are being erected – a rude representation of the
gloss and the rich. In Mumbai, a few single Theaters are being
preserved such as the Regal, Eros, New Empire and Liberty but the
smaller halls which showed 'B' grade and regional films and also old
films such as 'Edward' at Dhobi Talao ,'Palace' at the Byculla are
in a state of decay . The Premium single theaters are being
preserved as they are made in Art-Deco style and represent an era
when some semblance of aesthetics was prevalent in Urban India. The
'capitol' cinema at VT has long shut down and a new 'Capitol' is
expected, which may be catering
to 'utility' than 'beauty'! The 'Strand' cinema in Colaba market has
long shut down and a multiplex has been erected which is yet to open.
Therefore if something is being preserved it is at places frequented
and patronized by the affluent, the influential and not by the
commoners, because it is the elite who determine the culture and
heritage to be 'protected'.
The
rich-poor, ruling-ruled, conflict in conservation of culture is
visible in various aspects and manifests itself unabashedly . We may
take the case of places of worship-- ancient remote temples of
various communities depicting local architecture are lying in decay,
Chapels, Mosques are equally affected , there is Afghan Church in
Colaba which is of historical significance and an architectural
marvel, but it is not getting the attention it deserves, similarly a
Church in Ross island in Andaman group of islands is of immense
historical and aesthetic relevance, however it is being protected in
its decayed state . Whereas if one looks at the recently constructed
' Akshardham' in New Delhi one wonders that how the community
which sponsored it and steered it managed so much of money as not
only it is huge but at a very prime location near the Red Fort , it
can be safely assumed that the community is very rich and influential
and though the Temple belongs to a very small sect its political and
economic clout is very Big!
Take
the case of Heritage Hotels; many Palaces in Rajasthan and other
states are being preserved by Private as well as Government agencies
such as the 'Chahel Palace'in Himanchal Pradesh which is under HP
Tourism Department which is good but what is sad is that small
restaurants of historical significance are dying a slow death on
account of neglect such as the many Irani Restaurants in Mumbai. They
represent an era when Mumbai was Bombay 
Another case is of 'Sophia Loren Beetle shop', which was an age old Paan ( beetle leaf) shop at civil lines Allahabad near the famous Elchico Restaurant but has been closed by the Municipal authorities. The shop was not only patronized by many but was known for its innovative name;incidentally 'Sophia' is also a name of a variety of paan such as – Kalkatta, Banarsi and Maghai etc..
The
other day a lady staff in my office on her return from Dipawali leave
brought a plate full of delicacies which are prepared during the
festivals all over the country in varying styles and shapes. There
was 'gujia''
laddu' 'chakri'etc
whilst I was pleased to savor it, I wandered and wished for its
longevity. Th ingress of packed and 'fast foods'have certainly
diluted the shine of our 'small- culture'.
Is
the Capitalism to be blamed for 'assembly- line' culture? Be it in
case of food, clothes, appearance because that is what suits the
'bulk' production and 'sales'. The local 'halwais' are giving way to
'pre-mix' food and 'two minute noodles'. The small towns are losing
their peculiarity, their character and personality and all look
alike. Even the uncommon and heterogeneous landscape is becoming
similar dotted by the concrete structures perishing the agricultural
land.
Are
we losing our personal touch ? The culture of serving self made, home
made things to drink or to eat to the guests is on decline. During
summers do we still serve 'sherbet' or 'shikanji' to our visitors?
And
as we lose the personal touch we lose our emotions , and we lose our
emotions we lose our human touch!
Therefore
in order to preserve the 'humanity' the 'small' culture of the
masses has to be protected and proliferated. Along with the large
Heritage structures we have to protect that road side , make shift
'Barber shop' erected on a cotton canopy or canvas roof or an
umbrella , with a mirror on the wall a chair to make sit the customer
, because that is our heritage too!
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